Our Athletes

Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Kendricks is teaming up with The Sheridan Story and RBA to launch ‘Sacks for Kids,’ a campaign to raise money for local weekend food programs.

Throughout the 2016 season, Kendricks is asking Vikings fans to make a pledge of at least $1 for every sack the Vikings record. All proceeds from ‘Sacks for Kids’ will benefit The Sheridan Story, which partners with local schools to provide food on the weekends, when children aren’t able to receive free and reduced meal programs at school.

The Sheridan Story is not a typical “backpack program.” It is a full-service non-profit organization specializing in equipping the community to implement weekend food programs in their local schools. Working in over 100 schools throughout the Twin Cities, The Sheridan Story provides the tools, resources, and expertise required to make an effective and significant impact on child hunger. At the end of each school week, the organization provides over 4,000 children with a weekend supply of substantive, nutritious food.

“We are thrilled to have Eric Kendricks partner with The Sheridan Story to fight child hunger this season,” shared Rob Williams, Executive Director of The Sheridan Story. “His support will be a huge help as we work with the community to get food to kids right here in Minnesota.”

Individuals who make at least a $1 per sack commitment or a flat donation of $40 or more will be entered to win a signed helmet, and those that make a pledge of $10 or more or a flat donation of at least $400 will receive a special invitation for two to Eric Kendricks’ Champions Reception on Monday, September 26, at the Wayzata Brew Works. Individuals interested in making a pledge to ‘Sacks for Kids’ can visit www.pledgeit.org/eric-kendricks.

“I am very excited to partner with The Sheridan Story to help feed children in the Twin Cities,” said Kendricks, who is beginning his second season with the Vikings. “The Sheridan Story is a great organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of young people, and I am honored to support them and the great work they do. Childhood hunger is something that no child should have to endure and we need to do all we can to make sure the children in our community are taken care of and are healthy. This pledge campaign is a great way for fans to join me to join the fight against childhood hunger. Now, every time we get a sack, it helps the Vikings and kids in need!”

‘Sacks for Kids’ is presented by RBA, a digital and technology consultancy.

“RBA has a strong history of giving back to the community in which we live and work and we are thrilled to partner with The Sheridan Story and Minnesota Viking’s linebacker Eric Kendricks as part of the “Sacks for Kids” campaign,” said Rick Born, CEO, RBA. “We have supported The Sheridan Story’s mission of alleviating food insecurity within our local schools for the past few years and we are proud to be able expand this partnership to help ensure that kids are well-nourished and ready to concentrate while they’re in school.”

Eric Kendricks

Eric Kendricks took over the regular starting role for the Minnesota Vikings at middle linebacker as a rookie in 2015, starting 11 of his 14 games played. He became only the second Vikings rookie to lead the team in tackles when he posted 105 in 2015. The 2015 first-round choice is UCLA’s all-time leader in tackles.